Pentti Matikainen had a brief career as an ice hockey player before becoming a successful coach. From 1971 to 1981 Matikainen played in 47 matches in the Finnish Championship, representing both SaiPa and JoKP. Overlapping with his playing career, he began his coaching career with Mikkelin Jukurit in 1976, followed by stints at several other clubs including Kärppi, HIFK, SaiPa, HPK, and Lukko. From 1987 to 1993 Matikainen was the head coach of the Finnish national team, leading the side to the silver medal at the 1988 Calgary Olympics. Four years later Finland won another silver when they finished as the runners-up at the 1992 Ice Hockey World Championships. Towards the end of his coaching career Matikainen also served as the CEO of HIFK from 2001 to 2008.
Finland